Caladium plant named &#39;UF 44-4&#39;

ABSTRACT

A new and distinct cultivar of  caladium  plant named ‘UF 44-4’, characterized by its compact growth habit, plants with numerous lance-type leaves that are slightly undulate, leaves that have bright red center and green margins, and plants that are attractive in containers or landscapes.

ACKNOWLEDGMENT OF FEDERAL RESEARCH SUPPORT

This invention was made with government support under FLA-BRA-04162awarded by the Cooperative State Research, Education, and ExtensionService, USDA. The government has certain rights in the invention.

GENUS AND SPECIES

Caladium×hortulanum

VARIETY DENOMINATION

‘UF 44-4’

BACKGROUND OF THE NEW PLANT

The present invention relates to a new and distinct cultivar of caladiumplant, botanically known as Caladium×hortulanum, commercially referredto as a strap leaf-type or lance leaf-type and hereinafter referred toby the name ‘UF 44-4’.

Caladiums are ornamental aroids frequently used as pot and landscapeplants for their colorful foliage and ease of growing. The objective ofthe Inventors' breeding program is to create new caladium cultivars thathave compact growth habit, numerous leaves, attractive foliage, andexceptional container and landscape performance.

‘UF 44-4’ originated from selfing the caladium plant ‘S79-206’ in Juneof 2000 in Bradenton, Fla. ‘S79-206’ was a selection of ‘FloridaSweetheart’ (U.S. Plant Pat. No. 8,526). The new caladium ‘UF 44-4’ wasdiscovered and selected by the inventors as a single plant in Septemberof 2001. ‘UF 44-4’ has been found to retain its distinctivecharacteristics through at least 10 generations of successive asexualpropagations via tuber divisions since March of 2002.

Plant Breeder's Rights for this cultivar have not been applied for. ‘UF44-4’ has not been made publicly available more than one year prior tothe filing of this application.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The following are the most outstanding and distinguishingcharacteristics of this new variety when grown under (normal orstandard) horticultural practices in Wimauma, Fla. These characteristicsdistinguish ‘UF 44-4’ as a new and distinct cultivar of caladium:

1. Compact plant habit;

2. Numerous lance or strap-type leaves that are slightly undulate andhave a bright red center and green margins; and

3. Attractive plants in containers or landscapes.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PHOTOGRAPHS

The accompanying photographs illustrate the overall appearance of thenew caladium. These photographs show the colors as true as can bereasonably obtained in colored reproductions of this type. Colors in thephotographs may differ slightly from the color values cited in thedetailed botanical description, which accurately describe the colors ofthe new caladium.

FIG. 1 is a side view of the new variety ‘UF 44-4’ grown in a 20-cmdiameter container in a shadehouse.

FIG. 2 is a top view of a typical leaf of the new variety ‘UF 44-4’grown in a 20-cm diameter container in a shadehouse.

FIG. 3 is a top view of typical plants of the new variety ‘UF 44-4’grown in an outdoor nursery.

FIG. 4 is a top view of a typical leaf of the new variety ‘UF 44-4’grown in an outdoor nursery.

DESCRIPTION OF THE NEW VARIETY

In the following description, color references are made to The RoyalHorticultural Society Colour Chart, 1986 Edition, except where generalterms of ordinary dictionary significance are used.

The following observations and measurements describe plants grown in20-cm containers in Wimauma, Fla. during the summer in apolypropylene-covered shadehouse and plants grown in ground beds inWimauma, Fla. during the late summer in an outdoor nursery. All plantswere grown under conditions and practices similar to those generallyused in commercial caladium production.

During the production of the plants, day temperatures ranged fromapproximately 23.5° C. to 34.4° C., night temperatures ranged fromapproximately 20.5° C. to 23.5° C., and light levels were approximately944 foot-candles in the shadehouse and 9744 foot-candles in the outdoornursery. Plants grown in the shadehouse were approximately seven weeksfrom planting tubers when the photographs and the detailed descriptionwere taken. Plants grown in the outdoor nursery were approximately twomonths from planting tuber pieces when the photographs and the detaileddescription were taken.

DETAILED BOTANICAL DESCRIPTION OF THE NEW PLANT

-   Classification:    -   -   Family.—Araceae.        -   Botanical.—Caladium×hortulanum.        -   Common.—Caladium.-   Parentage: Selfing ‘S79-206’, (unpatented)-   Propagation:    -   -   Type.—By tubers and by tuber divisions.        -   Time to initiate roots, summer.—Approximately seven to ten            days at 32° C.        -   Time to initiate roots, winter.—Approximately two to three            weeks at 24° C.-   Tuber description: Jumbo-sized (6.4 to 8.9 cm in diameter) tubers    are multi-segmented, bearing six to nine dominant buds.    -   -   Height of no.1-sized tubers.—Approximately 2.5 cm.        -   Diameter of no.1-sized tubers.—Approximately 3.7 cm.        -   Texture.—Thick, starchy; slightly brittle.        -   Color.—Epidermis: brown (RHS 200C); Interior: yellow (RHS            10A).-   Root description: Dense, thick and white fleshy roots-   Plant description:    -   -   Type.—Herbaceous perennial.        -   Growth habit.—Compact and mounding, dense foliage, suitable            for 10.0 cm to 25.0 cm containers. Leaf petioles arising            from tubers; petioles mostly semi-upright and curving            outwardly with development.        -   Height, from soil level to top of leaf plane,            shadehouse-grown plants.—Approximately 27.0 cm to 34.0 cm.        -   Height, from soil level to top of inflorescences,            shadehouse-grown plants.—Approximately 35.0 cm.        -   Diameter or spread, shadehouse-grown plants.—Approximately            59.0 cm×56.0 cm.        -   Height, from soil level to top of leaf plane, outdoor            nursery-grown plants.—Approximately 25.0 cm to 32.0 cm.        -   Height, from soil level to top of inflorescences, outdoor            nursery-grown plants.—Approximately 30.0 cm to 35.0 cm.        -   Diameter or spread, outdoor nursery-grown            plants.—Approximately 48.0 cm×39.0 cm.-   Foliage description (shadehouse-grown and outdoor-grown):    -   -   Length, shadehouse-grown plants.—Approximately 12.5 cm to            20.0 cm.        -   Width, shadehouse-grown plants (flattened).—Approximately            8.5 cm to 13.0 cm.        -   Length, outdoor nursery-grown plants.—Approximately 13.0 cm            to 17.0 cm.        -   Width, outdoor nursery-grown plants            (flattened).—Approximately 9.5 cm to 12.0 cm.        -   Shape.—Ovate.        -   Apex.—Acuminate to acute.        -   Base.—Cordate.        -   Margin.—Entire; undulate.        -   Texture.—Upper surface: Smooth, glabrous Lower surface:            Smooth, glabrous; glaucous.        -   Venation pattern.—Pinnate.-   Color, shadehouse-grown plants:    -   -   Developing and fully expanded leaves.—Upper surface: Center:            RHS 53A (Red) Border and margins: RHS 137A (Green) Basal            notch: RHS 53C (Red) Venation: Midrib and primary veins: RHS            185A (Greyed-purple) Lower surface: Center: RHS 59A            (Red-purple) Border and margins: RHS 138A (Green) Venation:            Midrib and primary veins: RHS 182D (Greyed-red).-   Color, outdoor nursery-grown plants:    -   -   Developing leaves.—Upper surface: Center: RHS 185B            (Greyed-purple) Border and margins: RHS 137A (Green)            Venation: Midrib and primary veins: RHS 185A (Greyed-purple)            Lower surface: Center: RHS 187D (Greyed-purple) Border and            margins: RHS 138A (Green) Venation: Midrib and primary            veins: RHS 182D (Greyed-red).        -   Fully expanded leaves.—Upper Surface: Center: RHS 60B            (Red-purple; very translucent) Border and margins: RHS 137A            (Green) Venation: Midrib and primary veins: RHS 60A            (Red-purple) Lower surface: Center: RHS 185B (Greyed-purple)            Border and margins: RHS 138A (Green) Venation: Midrib RHS            182D (Greyed-red); primary vein RHS 196D (Green).-   Petiole:    -   -   Aspect.—Mostly erect, curving outwardly with development.        -   Length, shadehouse-grown plants.—Approximately 18.0 to 30.0            cm.        -   Diameter, distal, shadehouse-grown plants.—Approximately 3.2            mm.        -   Diameter, proximal, shadehouse-grown plants.—Approximately            5.5 mm.        -   Length, outdoor nursery-grown plants.—Approximately 21.5 cm            to 27.0 cm.        -   Diameter, distal, outdoor nursery-grown            plants.—Approximately 3.4 mm.        -   Diameter, proximal, outdoor nursery-grown            plants.—Approximately 6.3 mm.        -   Strength.—Strong; flexible.        -   Color, shadehouse-grown plants.—RHS 158C and 158D            (Yellow-white) and variably streaked with RHS 200C (Brown).        -   Color, proximal, outdoor nursery-grown plants.—RHS 182D            (Greyed-red), but lighter with blotches of RHS 200C (Brown).        -   Wing length, shadehouse-grown plants.—Approximately 2.5 cm            to 6.5 cm.        -   Wing diameter, shadehouse-grown plants.—Approximately 4.0 mm            to 6.0 mm.        -   Wing length, outdoor nursery-grown plants.—Approximately 2.5            cm to 5.0 cm.        -   Wing diameter, outdoor nursery-grown plants.—Approximately            4.5 mm to 6.5 mm.        -   Wing color, shadehouse-grown plants.—RHS 158C and 158D            (Yellow-white) with some streaks of RHS 200C (Brown).        -   Wing color, outdoor nursery-grown plants.—RHS 182D            (Greyed-red), but lighter and with blotches of RHS 147A            (Green).-   Inflorescence description: Inflorescences have not been observed-   Seed and fruit: Seed and fruit development has not been observed-   Disease/pest resistance:    -   -   Bacterial blight.—Resistant.        -   Xanthomonas leaf spot.—Resistant.-   Temperature tolerance: Tolerant to temperatures ranging from    approximately 7° C. to approximately 40° C.

COMPARISON WITH PARENTAL VARIETY

‘UF44-4’ differs from its parent, caladium selection ‘S79-206’, byhaving approximately two times more leaves. Additionally, leaves of‘UF44-4’ have a bright red center and green margins, whereas the leavesof caladium selection ‘S79-206’ have a light pink center and greenmargins.

COMPARISON WITH KNOWN CULTIVARS

‘UF 44-4’ can also be compared to plants of the cultivar ‘FloridaSweetheart’, disclosed in U.S. Plant Pat. No. 8,526. In side-by-sidecomparisons conducted in Wimauma, Fla., ‘UF 44-4’ primarily differedfrom plants of ‘Florida Sweetheart’ in leaf coloration and number ofleaves. Leaves of ‘Florida Sweetheart’ were light pink in color in thecenter with dark green margins and pink-colored venation, whereas leavesof ‘UF 44-4’ have a bright red center. Additionally, the number ofleaves on ‘Florida Sweetheart’ plants was approximately half the numberof leaves of ‘UF 44-4’ plants.

‘UF 44-4’ was evaluated for tuber production and plant performance atthe Gulf Coast Research and Education Center in Wimauma, Fla. in 2005and 2006. The soil was an EauGallie fine sand with approximately 1%organic matter and a pH of 6.2. Plants were grown in a plastic mulchedraised bed system maintaining a constant water table with seepirrigation. In 2005, ground beds were fumigated on February 25 (6 weeksbefore planting) with a mixture of 67% methyl bromide and 33%chloropicrin (by volume) at the rate of 392 kg×ha⁻¹. In 2006, the bedswere fumigated on March 10, 10 days before planting, with the samefumigant mixture but at the half rate, 196 kg×ha⁻¹. The beds were 91 cmwide and 20 cm high with 2.54 cm caladium seed pieces (tuber pieces)planted 15 cm apart in 3 rows. Osmocote™ 18N-2.6P-10K 8-9 monthcontrolled release fertilizer was applied to the bed surface when shoottips were emerging from the soil with N at 336 kg×ha⁻¹.

Field plots were organized in a randomized complete block designconsisting of three replications. For tuber production, each plot was1.2 m² and contained 30 propagules. New tubers were harvested inNovember 2005 and December 2006, respectively. Tubers were dried in thegreenhouse for approximately 4 weeks and then graded by their maximumdiameter; No. 2 (2.5 cm to 3.8 cm), No. 1 (3.8 cm to 6.4 cm), Jumbo (6.4cm to 8.9 cm), Mammoth (8.9 cm to 11.4 cm), and Super Mammoth (>11.4cm). Production index, an indicator of economic value of the harvestedtubers, was calculated for each plot, as follows: N (No. 2)+2N (No.1)+4N (Jumbo)+6N (Mammoth)+8N (Super Mammoth); where N=number of tubersin each grade from each field plot. An analysis of variance wasconducted to compare the performance of ‘UF 44-4’ to that of ‘FloridaRed Ruffles’ (U.S. Plant Pat. No. 13,136), the most popular red lanceleaf cultivar, and ‘Florida Sweetheart’, the most popular lance leafcultivars in all colors. ‘Red Frill’ (unpatented), another commercialred lance leaf cultivar, was also included as a check in the trials in2005 and 2006.

Table 1 shows the weight, production index, marketable number, and gradedistribution of caladium tubers produced in 2005 and 2006 from 30 2.54cm tuber propagules planted in 1.2 m² plot. Values presented are meansof three replications in each year.

TABLE 1 Tuber Tuber distribution (%) Weight Production Marketable SuperCultivar (kg) index (no.) mammoth Mammoth Jumbo No. 1 No. 2 Year 2005‘UF 44-4’ 3.7 166.8 64.4 0 7.0 28.1 39.7 25.1 ‘Florida Red Ruffles’ 3.0129.7 40.7 0.8 15.6 35.2 33.1 15.2 ‘Florida Sweetheart’ 3.3 144.3 46.72.8 17.9 24.7 27.1 27.5 LSD (α = 0.05) 0.4 11.3 7.1 NS NS NS NS NS Year2006 ‘UF 44-4’ 3.3 118.6 49.7 2.5 7.1 17.5 42.8 30.0 ‘Florida RedRuffles’ 2.3 87.9 43.8 0 6.5 19.7 30.1 42.7 ‘Florida Sweetheart’ 2.8111.0 48.6 0.9 3.1 20.7 49.1 27.2 ‘Red Frill’ 1.2 67.7 38.8 0 0 1.4 66.831.9 LSD (α = 0.05) 1.1 31.0 NS NS NS 7.2 27.4 NS NS: not significantlydifferent at P < 0.05.

As shown in Table 1, in 2005, ‘UF 44-4's tuber weight was 3.7 kg, itsproduction index was 166.8, and its number of marketable tubers was 64.4per plot. Its tuber weight was 23% greater than ‘Florida Red Ruffles’(3.0 kg) and 12% greater than ‘Florida Sweetheart's (3.3 kg). Theproduction index for ‘UF 44-4’ was 29% and 15% higher than that of‘Florida Red Ruffles’ (129.7) and ‘Florida Sweetheart’ (144.3),respectively. ‘UF 44-4’ produced 58% and 38% more tubers than ‘FloridaRed Ruffles’ and ‘Florida Sweetheart’, respectively.

Also shown in Table 1, in 2006, ‘UF 44-4’ tuber weight (3.3 kg) was 43%and 18% higher than ‘Florida Red Ruffles’ (2.3 kg) and ‘FloridaSweetheart’ (2.8 kg), but the difference was not statisticallysignificant. In production index and number of marketable tubers, ‘UF44-4’ is comparable to ‘Florida Red Ruffles’ and ‘Florida Sweetheart’.‘UF 44-4's tuber weight was approximately 1.8 fold higher, andproduction index was 75% greater than ‘Red Frill’.

In tuber grade distribution, the majority (60% or more) of tubers of ‘UF44-4’ were in the categories of No. 1, Jumbo, or Mammoth, which wassimilar to the size distribution of ‘Florida Red Ruffles’ and ‘FloridaSweetheart’. ‘UF 44-4’ produced more large tubers (Mammoth and Jumbo)than ‘Red Frill’, which had the majority (>95%) of tubers in the No. 1and No. 2 categories.

Table 2 shows a comparison of the plant height, number of leaves, leaflength and leaf width of ‘UF 44-4’ and three commercial cultivarsapproximately 4 months from planting 2.54-cm tuber propagules in groundbeds in full sun in 2005 and 2006. Values presented are means of threereplications with three plants measured per plot per year.

TABLE 2 Plant height Leaves Leaf length Leaf width Cultivar (cm) (no.)(cm) (cm) ‘UF 44-4’ 30.1 42.7 19.2 12.7 ‘Florida Red Ruffles’ 21.9 26.318.2 10.7 ‘Florida Sweetheart’ 24.2 21.5 20.0 13.3 ‘Red Frill’ 14.3 20.914.8 7.9 LSD (α = 0.05) 4.7 10.9 3.0 1.5

As shown in Table 2, plants of ‘UF 44-4’ were 6 to 8 cm taller thanthose of ‘Florida Red Ruffles’ and ‘Florida Sweetheart’. Leaves of ‘UF44-4’ were similar to those of ‘Florida Sweetheart’, but approximately 2cm wider than those of ‘Florida Red Ruffles’. The most significantdifference among the entries was in the leaf number produced per plant:42.7 by ‘UF 44-4’ vs. 20.9 to 26.3 by ‘Florida Red Ruffles’, ‘FloridaSweetheart’ or ‘Red Frill’.

Table 3 shows plant performance and sun burn tolerance of ‘UF 44-4’ andthree commercial cultivars (checks) when planted in ground beds in fullsun in 2005, 2006 and 2007. Values presented are means of threereplications in each year.

Landscape performance of ‘UF 44-4’ was evaluated on the same plots usedfor evaluating tuber production. A scale of 1 to 5 was used with 1 beingvery poor (few leaves and lack of vigor), and 5 being excellent (fullplants, numerous leaves, and bright color display). Leaf sun burntolerance also was evaluated on a scale of 1 to 5, with 1 being verysusceptible to sun burns (leaves having numerous sun-damaged areas orholes) and 5 being resistant to sun burns (no visible sun-damagedareas). A total of eight evaluations were conducted for plantperformance and sun burn tolerance over three growing seasons in June,July and August 2005, August and September 2006, and July, August andSeptember 2007. Approximately 4 months after planting, plant height,number of leaves and leaf size were measured on three randomly chosenplants in each plot.

TABLE 3 Performance rating Sun tolerance rating 2005 2006 2007 2005 20062007 Au- Sep- Sep- Au- Sep- Sep- Cultivar June July gust August temberJuly August tember June July gust August tember July August tember ‘UF44-4’ 3.4 4.7 4.8 3.5 4.0 4.0 4.0 4.0 3.5 4.7 4.5 3.8 4.3 3.7 4.6 4.0‘Florida 2.8 4.1 4.3 2.0 3.0 3.8 3.1 2.9 3.6 4.4 4.3 4.0 4.7 3.5 4.3 4.0Red Ruffles’ ‘Florida 2.6 3.8 4.1 3.3 4.0 3.3 3.1 2.8 3.0 4.1 4.2 4.04.6 3.5 4.3 3.8 Sweetheart’ ‘Red Frill’ —^(z) — — 2.5 2.5 4.2 2.8 2.0 —— — 3.8 4.2 3.8 3.4 2.3 LSD 0.7 0.8 0.4 1.3 0.5 0.8 0.6 1.1 NS^(y) NS NSNS 0.3 NS 0.7 0.3 (α = 0.05) ^(z)This cultivar was not included in thetrial in 2005. ^(y)Not significantly different at P ≦ 0.05.

As shown in Table 3, with a superb number of leaves, ‘UF 44-4’ producedfull plants with bright color display and received the highest ratingsfor plant performance: 3.4-3.5 in June 2005 and August 2006, 4.0 inSeptember 2006 and July, August and September 2007, and 4.7-4.8 in Julyand August 2005. ‘UF 44-4's plant performance rating was significantlyhigher than that of ‘Florida Red Ruffles’ in four out of eightevaluations and significantly higher than that of ‘Florida Sweetheart’in six out of eight evaluations.

The suitability of ‘UF 44-4’ for potted plant production was evaluatedby forcing tubers in 11.4 cm containers. No. 1 tubers were plantedeither intact or de-eyed in a peat/vermiculite mix on 26 Mar. 2007. Thestudy was conducted in a greenhouse with 45% light exclusion during thesummer in Wimauma, Fla. Average daily temperatures ranged from a low of16° C. night to 29° C. day during the experiment. Potted plants werearranged on metal benches in the greenhouse in a randomized completeblock design with 10 replications. Plant height, number of leaves, andfoliar characteristics were recorded 8 weeks after planting.

Table 4 shows a comparison of number of days to sprout, plant height,leaf number, leaf length, leaf width, and quality rating for caladiumcultivars grown from No. 1 tubers in 11.4 cm containers in a 45% shadedglasshouse in Wimauma, Fla. in 2007. Values represent the means of 10plants produced from intact or de-eyed No. 1 (>3.8 and <6.4 cm indiameter) tubers planted individually per container.

TABLE 4 Days to sprout ^(z) Plant height (cm) Leaves (no.) Leaf length(cm) Leaf width (cm) Quality rating Cultivar Intact De-eye Intact De-eyeIntact De-eye Intact De-eye Intact De-eye Intact De-eye UF 44-4 38.638.0 16.3 14.4 10.0 17.2 16.2 16.4 12.1 10.3 4.1 4.5 Florida Red Ruffles36.8 39.6 16.1 16.6 9.4 13.3 17.7 17.5 12.5 12.3 3.5 4.1 FloridaSweetheart 42.3 40.0 17.3 16.2 10.9 14.8 17.5 16.4 10.9 10.6 3.2 4.0 RedFrill 30.9 31.5 10.8 11.3 10.8 16.7 15.1 14.1 10.7 9.9 2.8 3.9 LSD (α =0.05) 4.5 4.4 3.1 2.4 NS NS ^(y) NS 1.8 NS 1.9 0.5 0.4 ^(z) Number ofdays from planting to the first unfurled leaf . ^(y) Not significantlydifferent at P ≦ 0.05.

As shown in Table 4, ‘UF 44-4’ produced high quality potted plantsregardless of tuber treatments (intact or de-eyed). When tubers wereplanted intact, ‘UF 44-4’ sprouted approximately 39 days after planting,which was similar to the sprouting time of ‘Florida Red Ruffles’ and‘Florida Sweetheart’, but approximately 8 days later than ‘Red Frill’.Tuber de-eyeing did not cause any change in sprouting time in ‘UF 44-4’.Intact plants of ‘UF 44-4’, ‘Florida Red Ruffles’ and ‘FloridaSweetheart’ were similar in plant height (16.3 cm, 16.1 cm, and 17.3cm), numbers of leaves (10, 9.4, and 10.9), leaf lengths (16.2 cm, 17.7cm, and 17.5 cm) and leaf widths (12.1 cm, 12.5 cm, and 10.9 cm). Whenplants were de-eyed, ‘UF 44-4’, ‘Florida Red Ruffles’ and ‘FloridaSweetheart’ were similar in leaf length (16.4 cm, 17.5 cm, and 16.4 cm)and leaf width (10.3 cm, 12.3 cm, and 10.6 cm), but ‘UF 44-4’ had 3-4more leaves and was approximately 2 cm shorter in plant height than‘Florida Red Ruffles’ and ‘Florida Sweetheart’. With multiple bright redleaves, pot-grown ‘UF 44-4’ plants received the highest quality ratings(4.1 and 4.5) compared to the three check cultivars (2.8 to 4.1).Quality pot plants were produced without de-eyeing, but de-eyeingappeared to improve plant quality rating (from 4.1 to 4.5).

1. A new and distinct caladium plant named ‘UF 44-4’ as illustrated anddescribed herein.